The Seven Cities Buggy SSV Tour in the Azores offers adventurous travelers a chance to explore the island of São Miguel in a thrilling and intimate way. Participants can navigate the rugged landscapes in their own off-road vehicles, guided by a knowledgeable local who showcases the stunning Volcano Crater, breathtaking viewpoints, and abandoned sites. This small-group excursion promises an exhilarating 4-hour experience that immerses guests in the natural wonders of the archipelago. With a cap of just 6 participants, the tour provides a personalized adventure that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone seeking an adrenaline-fueled escape.
Key Points
- A guided 4-hour excursion to explore the rugged landscapes of São Miguel island in the Azores using self-driven SSV (Side-by-Side Vehicle) buggies.
- The tour includes driving through the stunning Volcano Crater of the 7 Cidades, admiring the breathtaking views from the Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, and visiting the abandoned Hotel das 7 Cidades.
- The tour is limited to small groups of up to 6 people, providing an intimate and personalized experience, and is priced starting from €99 per person.
- Drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license, and the tour takes place rain or shine, with children welcome as passengers.
- The tour includes familiarization with the SSV controls, guidance on maneuvering through various terrains, and safety protocols to ensure a thrilling yet safe exploration of the natural wonders.
Overview of the Tour
The Seven Cities Buggy SSV Tour is a 4-hour guided excursion that invites participants to explore the rugged landscapes of São Miguel island in the Azores.
Led by a live tour guide, this small-group adventure caps attendance at 6 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Adventurers will have the opportunity to drive their own SSV (side-by-side vehicle) along the island’s scenic paths, navigating the 36,000-year-old Volcano Crater of the 7 Cidades and visiting remarkable viewpoints like the Miradouro do Pico do Carvao.
The tour also includes stops at the Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades and the Vista do Rei Miradouro, as well as the abandoned Hotel das 7 Cidades.
With inclusions like a helmet, entry tickets, and insurance, this tour is designed to provide an unforgettable exploration of São Miguel’s natural wonders.
Pricing and Inclusions
Pricing for the Seven Cities Buggy SSV Tour starts from €99.00 per person, allowing adventurers to reserve their spot and pay later.
This fee covers a range of inclusions, such as a helmet, entry tickets to all viewpoints, third-party insurance, and applicable taxes, ensuring a seamless and well-protected experience.
Throughout the 4-hour tour, you will be accompanied by a live guide, exploring the rugged paths of São Miguel in small groups limited to 6 people.
This popular tour is likely to sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance.
With the gear provided and the safety measures in place, thrill-seekers can focus on soaking in the stunning landscapes of the 36,000-year-old Volcano Crater and other breathtaking sights.
Key Highlights of the Tour
Adventurers on the Seven Cities Buggy SSV Tour can look forward to an exhilarating drive along São Miguel’s rugged paths, exploring the 36,000-year-old Volcano Crater of the 7 Cidades.
They’ll also visit the Miradouro do Pico do Carvao viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades, and the abandoned Hotel das 7 Cidades at the Vista do Rei Miradouro.
The tour’s key highlights include:
- Driving your own SSV through the scenic Azorean landscape
- Witnessing the stunning Volcano Crater of the 7 Cidades
- Admiring the breathtaking views from the Miradouro do Pico do Carvao
- Exploring the Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades and the abandoned Hotel das 7 Cidades
Requirements and Additional Information
For the Seven Cities Buggy SSV Tour, all drivers must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. Plus, while the tour takes place rain or shine, children are welcome to join as passengers in the SSVs.
Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, and participants may need to acquire additional gear like gloves or a raincoat separately.
The tour allows visitors to drive their own rugged SSV vehicles along the picturesque paths of São Miguel, exploring the 36,000-year-old Volcano Crater of the 7 Cidades, the Miradouro do Pico do Carvao viewpoint, the Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades, and the Vista do Rei Miradouro with its abandoned Hotel das 7 Cidades.
Driving the SSV Vehicles
Participants on the Seven Cities Buggy SSV Tour eagerly take the driver’s seat of the rugged all-terrain vehicles, prepared to navigate the island’s picturesque yet challenging terrain.
With the guidance of a knowledgeable tour guide, they learn the basics of operating the powerful machines:
- Familiarize themselves with the SSV’s controls, including the accelerator, brakes, and steering.
- Practice maneuvering the SSV through various terrain, such as rocky trails, steep inclines, and muddy paths.
- Follow the tour guide’s instructions and safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
The participants’ adrenaline surges as they confidently guide the SSVs through the breathtaking scenery, embracing the thrill of driving the SSVs as they explore the stunning natural landscapes of São Miguel.
Exploring the Volcano Crater
The 36,000-year-old Volcano Crater of the 7 Cidades captivates visitors as they approach its awe-inspiring rim, where the vibrant blue and green hues of the twin lakes nestled within create a breathtaking natural wonder. Guests are in for a true visual treat as they peer down into the crater, taking in the striking contrast of the two lakes and the lush, verdant slopes surrounding them. As they explore the crater, they’ll marvel at the remarkably well-preserved geological features and the insight they provide into the area’s volcanic past.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Twin Lakes | The Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and the Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) are the two stunning bodies of water that fill the crater’s interior. |
| Volcanic Slopes | The crater’s sloping sides are blanketed in a rich, verdant landscape of native flora, creating a picturesque natural amphitheater. |
| Geological History | The 7 Cidades Crater offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s volcanic origins, with well-preserved features providing clues to its formation. |
| Viewpoints | Multiple viewpoints around the crater’s rim offer breathtaking panoramic vistas of this remarkable natural wonder. |
Viewpoints and Landmarks
Along the Seven Cities Buggy SSV Tour, guests embark on an exhilarating journey through a landscape dotted with captivating viewpoints and landmarks that showcase the region’s natural wonders.
The tour includes stops at:
- The Miradouro do Pico do Carvao, a stunning overlook offering panoramic views of the volcanic crater and surrounding lakes.
- The Complexo Ambiental da Lagoa das Sete Cidades, where guests can explore the lush environment and wildlife around the picturesque Seven Cities Lagoon.
- The Vista do Rei Miradouro, an iconic viewpoint that provides a breathtaking vantage point of the twin lakes within the volcanic crater.
- The abandoned Hotel das 7 Cidades, a haunting reminder of the region’s history and the forces that have shaped its unique landscape.
Practical Considerations
To participate in the Seven Cities Buggy SSV Tour, drivers must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. The tour operates rain or shine, so guests should come prepared with appropriate attire and footwear.
While hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, children are welcome to join the adventure as passengers in the SSVs. Helmets, entry tickets, and third-party insurance are all provided as part of the tour package. However, additional gear like gloves and raincoats aren’t included, so it’s recommended that guests bring their own.
With limited group sizes of up to 6 participants, the Seven Cities Buggy SSV Tour is likely to sell out, so guests are encouraged to reserve their spots in advance.
Recap
The Seven Cities Buggy SSV Tour offers an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of São Miguel island.
Adrenaline-seekers can pilot their own SSV vehicles, explore the captivating Volcano Crater, and admire breathtaking viewpoints – all while enjoying the personalized guidance of a live tour.
This small-group excursion immerses visitors in the natural wonders of the Azores, providing an intimate and exhilarating experience.
